Agriculture Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith hopes to give the facility a major face lift She said the preliminary plans focus on the inside of the coliseum by fixing a long list of issues that have gone overlooked for years.

That list includes limited restrooms and seating.

“We’re looking at a club level, maybe suites be put in there,” Hyde-Smith said. “All new seating throughout, removing the stairs that are so steep.”

If the multimillion dollar improvements receive funding, Hyde-Smith said it could boost the coliseum’s ability to generate revenue for both Jackson and Mississippi.

“I hope the legislature will see fit to let us have it,” said Bill Orr, director of fair commission.

Orr said the proposed improvements are well overdue. He said the last upgrades were in 1979, after a big flood.

“This will be a complete overhaul,” Orr said.

With more than one million people visiting the coliseum each year, Orr said the changes will make it more functional and comfortable for guests.

Hyde-Smith said she has not been able to generate a grand total for the upgrades, but said it would be much less than building a new structure. She hopes to have her proposal ready to present to the legislature by mid-February.

The proposed renovations would add an estimated 500 permanent seats and make the facility comply more with the Americans for Disabilities act.